A tracking and recording system is provided for tracking and documenting personal property. Personal property, such as electronic or “IOT” devices having a communication interface, are placed in communication with a tracking system which receives information from those items of personal property and utilizes that information to verify the location and/or existence of the property. A record of the personal property may also be created which includes information which identifies the property, liens, transfers of ownership, and verifications of the location of the property. The record may comprise a block chain of information regarding the property.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system for tracking and recording information regarding an item of personal property of an owner, the item of personal property having a built-in communication interface, comprising: at least one external server comprising a processor, a memory and machine-readable code stored in said memory and executable by said processor to cause said server to: receive information regarding said item of personal property and create a record regarding said item of personal property, including information which identifies said item of personal property; establish a communication link between said at least one external server and said item of personal property via a communication device of said owner, said communication device communicatively coupled to said built-in communication interface of said item of personal property; send a request to said item of personal property via said built-in wireless communication device thereof; utilize a response to said request to identify a location of said item of personal property; and update said record regarding said item of personal property with information regarding said location of said item of personal property at a first time.
The system tracks and records information about personal property items that have built-in communication interfaces. The system addresses the challenge of monitoring and managing personal property by providing real-time location tracking and data recording. The system includes at least one external server with a processor, memory, and machine-readable code. The server receives information about the personal property item, such as identification details, and creates a record for it. The server establishes a communication link with the item via a communication device owned by the property owner, which is connected to the item's built-in communication interface. The server sends a request to the item and uses the response to determine its location. The system then updates the item's record with the location data at a specific time. This allows owners to track the whereabouts of their property and maintain an up-to-date record of its status. The system ensures continuous monitoring and accurate location tracking, enhancing property management and security.
2. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said record comprises a block chain, wherein information which identifies said item of personal property and said information regarding said location of said item of personal property is associated with one or more blocks of said block chain.
This invention relates to a system for tracking and securing personal property using blockchain technology. The system addresses the problem of verifying ownership and location of personal property by creating a tamper-resistant record that is stored in a blockchain. The blockchain-based record includes information identifying the item of personal property and details about its location. By associating this data with one or more blocks in the blockchain, the system ensures that the information is securely stored and can be reliably verified. The blockchain structure provides transparency and immutability, making it difficult to alter the recorded data without detection. This approach enhances trust in the authenticity of the property records and reduces the risk of fraud or disputes over ownership and location. The system leverages the decentralized nature of blockchain to maintain a distributed ledger that can be accessed and verified by authorized parties, ensuring that the information remains accurate and tamper-proof. This method is particularly useful for high-value or sensitive items where secure tracking and verification are critical.
3. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said information regarding said item of personal property is obtained from a manufacturer of said item of personal property.
This invention relates to a system for tracking and managing personal property, addressing challenges in verifying ownership, authenticity, and provenance of items. The system collects and stores detailed information about an item, including ownership records, transaction history, and authentication data, to provide a secure and transparent record. A key feature is the ability to obtain information directly from the manufacturer of the item, ensuring accurate and reliable data at the source. This manufacturer-provided data may include product specifications, serial numbers, production dates, and other identifying details, which are then integrated into the system’s database. The system may also incorporate additional verification methods, such as blockchain technology or digital signatures, to further enhance data integrity. By centralizing this information, the system helps prevent fraud, simplifies ownership transfers, and provides a verifiable history for items of personal property. The system is particularly useful for high-value or easily counterfeited goods, such as luxury items, electronics, or collectibles, where provenance and authenticity are critical. The manufacturer’s direct involvement ensures that the foundational data is accurate, reducing reliance on third-party sources and minimizing errors or discrepancies. The system may also support user access controls, allowing owners and authorized parties to view or update records while restricting unauthorized access. This approach enhances trust in the system and provides a robust framework for managing personal property throughout its lifecycle.
4. The system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said information which identifies said item of personal property comprises at least one of: a) a description of said item of personal property, b) a manufacture date; c) the manufacturer; d) a serial number; e) a model number; f) an IP address; and g) a unique identifier for said item of personal property.
This invention relates to a system for tracking and identifying personal property, addressing the need for accurate and comprehensive identification of items to prevent loss, theft, or misplacement. The system includes a database storing information about personal property items, where each item is associated with at least one identifier. These identifiers may include a description of the item, its manufacture date, manufacturer, serial number, model number, IP address, or a unique identifier such as a barcode, RFID tag, or digital fingerprint. The system allows users to input or retrieve this information to verify ownership, track location, or recover lost or stolen items. The database may also include additional details like purchase history, ownership records, or maintenance logs to enhance tracking capabilities. The system ensures that multiple forms of identification are available, improving reliability and reducing ambiguity in item recognition. This approach is particularly useful for high-value or frequently moved items, such as electronics, vehicles, or valuable documents, where precise identification is critical. The system may be integrated with mobile devices, cloud services, or blockchain technology to provide secure and accessible tracking.
5. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said machine-readable code stored in said memory and executable by said processor further causes said server to update said record regarding said item of personal property with information regarding at least one of: a) a transfer of ownership of said item of personal property and b) a lien placed upon said item of personal property.
This invention relates to a digital system for tracking and managing records of personal property, particularly for updating ownership and lien information. The system includes a server with a processor and memory storing machine-readable code. The server maintains a database of records, each associated with an item of personal property. The system allows for the recording and updating of ownership transfers and liens on these items. When a transfer of ownership occurs, the system updates the corresponding record to reflect the new owner. Similarly, if a lien is placed on the property, the system records this information in the associated record. This ensures accurate and up-to-date tracking of property ownership and financial encumbrances. The system may also include user interfaces or APIs for submitting and retrieving this information, ensuring transparency and accessibility for authorized parties. The invention addresses the need for a reliable, centralized method to document and update property ownership and lien details, reducing disputes and improving record-keeping efficiency.
6. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said item of personal property comprises an IOT device.
The invention relates to a system for managing and securing personal property, particularly focusing on Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The problem addressed is the lack of effective tracking, monitoring, and security measures for personal property, especially IoT devices, which are often vulnerable to theft, unauthorized access, or misuse. The system provides a comprehensive solution by integrating tracking, authentication, and control features to enhance the security and usability of personal property, including IoT devices. The system includes a tracking module that monitors the location and status of the personal property, such as an IoT device, using sensors, GPS, or other positioning technologies. An authentication module ensures that only authorized users can access or control the property, employing biometric verification, passwords, or other secure authentication methods. A control module allows users to remotely manage the property, such as disabling functionality, updating settings, or triggering alerts if unauthorized access is detected. The system may also include a communication module to facilitate data exchange between the property and a central management platform, enabling real-time monitoring and control. For IoT devices specifically, the system enhances security by preventing unauthorized access to device functions, monitoring device activity for anomalies, and providing remote management capabilities. This ensures that IoT devices remain secure and functional, reducing the risk of theft or misuse. The system is adaptable to various types of personal property, including electronics, appliances, and other valuable items, making it a versatile solution for personal property management.
7. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said location is determined from an IP address received in response to said request.
A system for determining the geographic location of a device based on network communication data. The system receives a request from a device, such as a user accessing a network service, and identifies the device's location by analyzing the IP address associated with the request. The IP address is extracted from the communication data and mapped to a geographic location using a database or lookup service that correlates IP addresses with physical locations. This allows the system to infer the device's approximate location without requiring explicit user input or additional hardware. The system may also include features for processing the request, such as routing it to a server based on the determined location, optimizing performance, or enforcing regional restrictions. The location determination process is automated and relies on existing network infrastructure, making it scalable and cost-effective for applications like content delivery, fraud detection, or localized services. The system may further integrate with other location-based services or databases to enhance accuracy or provide additional context.
8. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein machine-readable code stored in said memory and executable by said processor further causes said server to: send a second request to said item of personal property via said built-in wireless communication device thereof; utilize a response to said second request to identify a location of said item of personal property; and update said record regarding said item of personal property with information regarding said location of said item of personal property at a second time.
A system for tracking personal property items using wireless communication and location identification. The system addresses the challenge of monitoring the whereabouts of personal belongings by leveraging built-in wireless communication devices embedded in the items. The system includes a server with a processor and memory, where machine-readable code stored in the memory is executable by the processor to perform tracking functions. The server sends a request to an item of personal property via its built-in wireless communication device, receives a response, and uses this response to determine the item's location. The system then updates a record associated with the item to include the location information at a specific time. Additionally, the server sends a second request to the item, processes the response to identify the item's location at a later time, and updates the record again with this new location data. This enables continuous or periodic tracking of the item's movements over time, providing users with real-time or historical location updates. The system is designed to enhance the ability to locate and monitor personal property items, improving security and convenience for users.
9. A method of creating a record of information regarding an item of personal property, the item of personal property having a built-in wireless communication interface, comprising the steps of: creating a record of information which identifies said item of personal property, including at least a first owner thereof; and associating information with said record which identifies a location of said personal property at a first time, comprising: establishing a communication link between a communication device of an external server and said built-in wireless communication device of said item of personal property via a communication device of said owner, said communication device comprising a router; transmitting a request from said server to said item of personal property via said communication link; receiving at said server, a response from said item of personal property transmitted from said built-in wireless communication interface thereof through and said communication device via said communication link; and utilizing said response to identify a location of said item of personal property.
This invention relates to tracking and recording information about personal property items equipped with built-in wireless communication interfaces. The system addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and locating such items by leveraging their wireless capabilities to establish a connection with an external server. The method involves creating a digital record that includes identifying details of the personal property, such as its owner, and associating location data with that record. To determine the item's location, a communication link is established between the server and the item's built-in wireless interface through a router operated by the owner. The server sends a request to the item, which responds via the same communication path. The server then processes this response to determine the item's location at a specific time. This approach enables real-time or periodic tracking of personal property by utilizing existing wireless infrastructure, ensuring accurate and up-to-date location records. The system is particularly useful for high-value or frequently moved items where ownership and location tracking are critical.
10. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said step of creating a record comprises creating a block of a block chain.
A system and method for securely recording data transactions in a distributed ledger environment. The invention addresses the need for tamper-proof, decentralized record-keeping to ensure data integrity and transparency in applications such as financial transactions, supply chain tracking, and digital identity verification. The method involves generating a cryptographic hash of transaction data, validating the transaction against predefined rules, and then creating a new block in a blockchain to permanently store the transaction. Each block contains the transaction data, a timestamp, and a reference to the previous block, forming an immutable chain. The blockchain structure ensures that any attempt to alter past records would require modifying all subsequent blocks, making unauthorized changes detectable. The system may also include consensus mechanisms to validate transactions across multiple nodes in the network, ensuring agreement on the validity of recorded data. This approach eliminates the need for centralized authorities while maintaining high levels of security and trust. The invention is particularly useful in environments where multiple parties need to share and verify data without relying on a single trusted intermediary.
11. The method in accordance with claim 10 wherein said step of associating information with said record comprises creating another block of said block chain.
A system and method for securely associating information with a record in a blockchain-based database. The technology addresses the need for tamper-proof, verifiable record-keeping in applications such as financial transactions, supply chain tracking, or digital identity management. Traditional databases lack cryptographic security and decentralized validation, making them vulnerable to unauthorized modifications. The method involves storing a record in a distributed ledger, where each record is linked to a unique identifier. To associate additional information with the record, a new block is created in the blockchain. This block contains the associated data, a cryptographic hash of the previous block for integrity verification, and a timestamp. The blockchain structure ensures that any modification to the associated information would require altering subsequent blocks, making tampering detectable. The system may also include steps for validating the new block through consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-work or proof-of-stake, before adding it to the ledger. This ensures that only authorized and verified information is linked to the original record. The method supports multiple types of associated data, including metadata, transaction details, or digital signatures, enhancing the record's utility and security.
12. The method in accordance with claim 9 comprising receiving said information which identifies said item of personal property from a manufacturer of said item of personal property.
A system and method for tracking and managing personal property involves identifying items using unique identifiers, such as serial numbers or barcodes, and associating them with owners or users. The method includes receiving information that identifies an item of personal property directly from the manufacturer of that item. This manufacturer-provided data may include details such as the item's serial number, model, production date, or other relevant attributes. The system then stores this information in a database, allowing for verification, authentication, or ownership tracking. The method may also involve linking the item to a user or owner, enabling features like theft recovery, warranty management, or authentication of authenticity. The system can be used for various types of personal property, including electronics, jewelry, or other high-value items. By integrating manufacturer data, the system ensures accurate and reliable identification of items, reducing the risk of counterfeit or misidentified goods. The method may also include steps for updating or verifying the item's status, such as confirming ownership transfers or reporting lost or stolen items. The system enhances security and trust in transactions involving personal property by leveraging direct manufacturer data.
13. The method in accordance with claim 12 wherein said information which identifies said item of personal property comprises at least one of: a) a description of said item of personal property, b) a manufacture date; c) the manufacturer; d) a serial number; e) a model number; f) an IP address; and g) a unique identifier for said item of personal property.
This invention relates to a system for tracking and managing personal property, particularly for identifying and recovering lost or stolen items. The system addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and locating personal property by associating each item with unique identifying information. The method involves storing data that uniquely identifies an item of personal property, such as a description, manufacture date, manufacturer, serial number, model number, IP address, or a unique identifier. This information is used to create a record in a database, enabling users to search for and retrieve details about the item. The system may also include a networked database accessible via a computer or mobile device, allowing users to input or retrieve property information remotely. The method further supports linking the property to an owner, facilitating recovery efforts. By providing multiple identification options, the system ensures robust and flexible tracking of personal property across various contexts, including theft prevention, inventory management, and asset recovery.
14. The method in accordance with claim 9 further comprising updating said record regarding said item of personal property with information regarding at least one of: a) a transfer of ownership of said item of personal property and b) a lien placed upon said item of personal property.
This invention relates to a system for tracking and managing personal property, particularly for recording ownership transfers and liens. The system maintains a digital record for each item of personal property, storing details such as ownership, identification, and transaction history. The method involves updating these records when ownership changes or when a lien is placed on the property. The system ensures accurate and up-to-date documentation of property status, reducing disputes and improving transparency in ownership and financial claims. The invention may include features like secure authentication, automated notifications, and integration with financial or legal databases to verify and record changes. The system is designed to streamline property transactions and provide a reliable reference for ownership and lien status.
15. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said item of personal property comprises an IOT device.
The invention relates to a system and method for managing and securing items of personal property, particularly focusing on Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The problem addressed is the lack of effective tracking, authentication, and security measures for personal property, including IoT devices, which are increasingly vulnerable to theft, unauthorized access, and misuse. The method involves using a mobile device to capture an image of an item of personal property, such as an IoT device, and then analyzing the image to extract identifying features. These features are compared against a database of known items to authenticate the item and verify its ownership. The system may also use additional verification methods, such as biometric data or user credentials, to enhance security. Once authenticated, the item is registered in a secure database, allowing for tracking and management. For IoT devices, the method may further involve integrating with the device's communication protocols to monitor its status, location, and usage. This integration enables real-time tracking and alerts for unauthorized access or suspicious activity. The system can also facilitate remote management, such as locking or disabling the device if necessary. The invention aims to provide a comprehensive solution for securing personal property, particularly IoT devices, by combining image recognition, authentication, and real-time monitoring to prevent theft and unauthorized use.
16. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said location is determined from an IP address received in response to said request.
A system and method for determining the geographic location of a device based on network communication data. The invention addresses the challenge of accurately identifying a device's location without requiring direct user input or GPS data, particularly in scenarios where such data may be unavailable or unreliable. The method involves sending a request from a device to a network server, which then processes the request to extract the device's IP address. The IP address is analyzed to determine the geographic location associated with that address, leveraging databases or algorithms that map IP addresses to physical locations. This approach enables location-based services, such as content delivery, fraud detection, or regional compliance, without relying on GPS or manual user input. The method can be applied in various networked environments, including web applications, mobile devices, and IoT systems, where IP-based location determination provides a scalable and efficient solution. The invention may also include additional steps, such as validating the IP address or refining the location estimate using supplementary data sources, to enhance accuracy. The system ensures privacy by processing the IP address in a manner that does not expose sensitive user information beyond what is necessary for location determination.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
March 6, 2020
April 5, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.